Exercise apparatus and method of using same

ABSTRACT

A lightweight, portable exercise device that includes a body-encircling strap that can be adjustably fitted about various portions of the user&#39;s body. Connected to the central portion of the body-encircling strap are two adjacently positioned elastomeric cords that can be extended by the user in a manner to enable the user to exercise body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and back while walking, sitting, standing, or lying. Attached to each of the elastomeric cords is a pair of gripping members for gripping by the hands and feet of the trainee. The gripping members and the elastomeric cords are uniquely arranged so as to enable the trainee to selectively exercise against the resistance offered by one, or by both of the elastomeric cords.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to generally to exercise devices. More particularly, the invention concerns a novel exercise device that includes an adjustable body-encircling strap to which elastomeric cords are attached. Each elastomeric cord has a gripping handle connected to the free end thereof for gripping by the trainee to enable the trainee to exercise body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and back while sitting, standing, or lying by controllably stretching the cords against the resistance offered thereby.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art

A wide variety of different types of exercise devices have been suggested in the past. Many such devices comprise heavy and bulky weight lifting machines which typically include various cable arrangements for lifting weights. Other such prior art devices comprise various types of large machines which include elastic cords and straps that replace the weights found in conventional weight lifting machines. Additionally, several types of inexpensive, easily portable elastic exercising devices are on the market. Exemplary of such devices is a device offered for sale on the internet under the name and style RIPCORDS and an exercise device offered for sale by Lifestyle Sports of Dunkirk, N.Y. under the name and style Flex Band.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an exercise device that includes a body-encircling strap that can be adjustably fitted about various portions of the user's body. Connected to the central portion of the body-encircling strap are elastomeric cords that can be extended by the user in a manner to enable the user to exercise body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and back while walking, sitting, standing, or lying.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the aforementioned character in which each elastomeric cord has a pair of gripping members connected thereto for gripping by the hands and feet of the trainee to enable the cords to be controllably stretched against the resistance offered thereby by extension of the trainee's arms and legs.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device as described in the preceding paragraphs which includes two adjacently positioned, elongated elastomeric cords that are attached proximate their centers to the central portion of the body-encircling strap, each cord having a pair of gripping members connected thereto for gripping by the hands and feet of the trainee. The two cords are uniquely arranged so as to enable the trainee to selectively exercise against the resistance offered by one, or by both of the elastomeric cords.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the character described which is light weight, readily portable and is easy and convenient to use so as to permit the user to tone or firm up various body muscles while at the office, at a hotel, at the beach, at the park, while traveling and during leisure time, such as while walking or watching television.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the class described that includes a body-encircling support strap that is easily adjusted so that it can be snugly fit about various portions the user's body in a manner to prevent slippage during the performance of a particular exercise.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device as described in the preceding paragraphs in which the elastomeric cords can be of various lengths, diameters and tensile strength so as to provide various degrees of resistance.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device as described in the previous paragraph in which the elastomeric cords are color-coded to indicate their degree of resistance.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device of the type described that is useful for post operation rehabilitation of the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee and ankle.

Another object of the invention is to provide an exercise device that is useful to prevent swelling of the feet, legs and ankles due to prolonged sitting during travel.

Another object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive exercising device of simple construction that is suitable for use by people of various ages and physical capabilities.

The forgoing as well as other objects of the invention are realized and attained by the novel exercise apparatus more fully described in the paragraphs that follow.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a generally perspective view of one form of the exercise apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a generally illustrative view showing the exercise apparatus of the invention positioned about the waist of the trainee.

FIG. 2A is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 2, but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on one pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 2B is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 2A, but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on both pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a generally illustrative view, similar to FIG. 2 showing the exercise apparatus of the invention positioned about the waist of the trainee with the connector member that connects the elastomeric cords to the body-encircling strap positioned at trainee's back rather than at the trainee's front as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3A is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3, but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on one pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3B is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3A, but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward, stretching force on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3C is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3A, but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting a sideward, stretching force on one pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3D is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3A, but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward and outward, stretching force on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3E is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3A, but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting forward, boxing-like stretching forces on one pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3F is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3E, but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting forward, boxing-like stretching forces on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3G is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3E, but showing the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting forward, cross-over stretching forces on one pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 3H is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 3G, but showing the trainee gripping both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting forward, cross-over stretching forces on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 2A, but showing the body-encircling strap positioned around the trainee's hips and illustrating the trainee positioning one pair of the elastomeric cords between the trainee legs, gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting a forward stretching force on one pair the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 4A is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 4, but showing the trainee performing an upward stretching exercise while seated and using both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 4B is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 4A, but showing the trainee performing an upward stretching exercise while seated and using only one pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a generally illustrative view showing the body-encircling strap positioned around the trainee's knees and illustrating the trainee gripping one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and exerting an upward stretching force on one pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 5A is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 5, but showing the trainee exerting a further upward stretching force on one of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 5B is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 5A, but showing the trainee exerting upward stretching forces on both pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a generally illustrative view showing the body-encircling strap positioned around the trainee's waist and illustrating the trainee in a reclined position with the trainee's feet in engagement with both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus.

FIG. 6A is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 6, but showing the trainee's feet in engagement with only one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and with both legs extended in a manner to exert an outward stretching force on one pair of the elastomeric cords of the apparatus.

FIG. 6B is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 6A, but showing the trainee performing a bicycle-like exercise with the trainee's feet in engagement with only one pair of the gripping members of the apparatus.

FIG. 6C is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 6B, but showing the trainee performing a bicycle-like exercise with the trainee's feet in engagement with both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus.

FIG. 6D is a generally illustrative view showing the trainee's knees in engagement with both pair of the gripping members of the apparatus and showing the trainee performing an abdominal lift-type exercise.

FIG. 7 is a generally illustrative view illustrating leg stretching exercises that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee lying on her stomach with the connector portion of the apparatus at the trainee's front and with the feet in engagement with one pair of the gripping members.

FIG. 7A is a generally illustrative view, similar to FIG. 7 illustrating leg lifting-type exercises that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee lying on her stomach with the connector portion of the apparatus at the trainee's front and with the feet in engagement with both pair of the gripping members.

FIG. 7B is a generally illustrative view illustrating leg stretching exercises that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee lying on her side with the connector portion of the apparatus at the trainee's front and with the feet in engagement with one pair of the gripping members.

FIG. 7C is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 7B, illustrating leg stretching and leg lifting exercises that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee lying on her side with the connector portion of the apparatus at the trainee's front and with the feet in engagement with both pair of the gripping members. FIG. 7D is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 7C, illustrating leg stretching and leg lifting exercises that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee lying on her side with the connector portion of the apparatus at the trainee's front and with the feet in engagement with only one pair of the gripping members.

FIG. 8 is a generally illustrative view illustrating the support belt being held against the floor by one foot of the trainee and one set of the gripping members being gripped by one of the trainee's hands while the other set is positioned over the trainee's leg so that leg lift-type exercises can be performed.

FIG. 9 is a generally illustrative view illustrating the support belt being attached to an elevated, horizontally extending wall bar in a manner such that one set of the gripping members can be gripped by the trainee at shoulder height.

FIG. 9A is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 9 illustrating the support belt being attached to an elevated, horizontally extending wall bar in a manner such that one set of the gripping members can be gripped by the trainee at shoulder height and extended outwardly from the wall bar.

FIG. 9B is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 9A illustrating the support belt being attached to an elevated, horizontally extending wall bar in a manner such that both sets of the gripping members can be gripped by the trainee at shoulder height and extended outwardly from the wall bar.

FIG. 9C is a generally illustrative view similar to FIG. 9B illustrating the support belt being attached to an elevated, horizontally extending wall bar in a manner such that one set of the gripping members can be gripped by the trainee at shoulder height and extended outwardly and upwardly from the wall bar.

FIG. 9D is a generally illustrative view illustrating the support belt being attached to the legs of an exercise bench in a manner such that one of the gripping members can be engaged by the foot of the trainee and another of the gripping members can be gripped by the hand of the trainee so that leg stretching and arm lifting exercises can be performed by the trainee.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, one form of the exercise device of the invention for use by a trainee to exercise the body muscles of the arms, legs, shoulders and back is their shown in generally designated by the 14. In this form of the invention the device comprises an adjustable body-encircling strap 16 for encircling a portion of the trainee's body in a manner illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 6 of the drawings. Strap 16, which can be constructed from various materials, including a canvas-like material, has first and second end portions 16 a and 16 b respectively and an intermediate portion 16 c. To releasably interconnect the first and second end portions of the strap conventional strap connecting means are provided. In the present form of the invention this strap connecting means comprises a first means, or yieldably deformable male connector 18 a, connected to first end 16 a of the body-encircling strap, and a second complementary means, or female connector 18 b connected to second end 16 b of the body-encircling strap, for engagement with the first means to form a body-encircling closed loop.

Connected to body-encircling strap 16 by means of cord connecting means are first and second resistance imparting assemblies 22 and 24. First resistance imparting assembly 22 here comprises a first elongated elastomeric cord 26 having first and second end portions 26 a and 26 b and intermediate portions 26 c and 26 d. First resistance imparting assembly 22 also comprises a first gripping member 28 that is connected to the first elongated elastomeric cord 26 proximate intermediate portion 26 c first and a second gripping member 30 that is connected to the first elongated elastomeric cord 26 proximate intermediate portion 26 d. Second resistance imparting assembly 24 here comprises a second elongated elastomeric cord 32 having first and second end portions 32 a and 32 b and intermediate portions 32 c and 32 d. Second resistance imparting assembly 24 also comprises a third gripping member 34 that is connected to the first elongated elastomeric cord 32 proximate intermediate portion 32 c first and a fourth gripping member 36 that is connected to the second elongated elastomeric cord 32 proximate intermediate portion 32 d.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, the cord connecting means, which functions to interconnect the end portions of the first and second elongated elastomeric cords with the body-encircling strap, comprises a generally tubular-shaped, plastic member 20 that circumscribes the body-encircling strap 16 at a location proximate the intermediate portion of the strap.

With the novel construction described in the preceding paragraph, the trainee can simultaneously grip the first and third gripping members 28 and 34 respectively and the second and fourth gripping members 30 and 36 respectively. In this way the trainee can exercise against the resistance of both elastomeric cords 26 and 32. Alternatively, if the trainee desires to perform the exercises against a lesser resistance, the trainee can simultaneously grip only the first and second gripping members 28 and 30 thereby exercising against the resistance of only the elongated elastomeric cord 26.

In this regard, it is to be understood that the first and second elongated elastomeric cords 26 and 32 can be of the same tensile strength or can be of different tensile strengths. If the cords are of the same tensile strength, it is apparent that when the trainee grips only one set of gripping members the exercises will be performed against a first resistance. However, when the trainee grips both sets of gripping members the exercises will be performed against a second resistance that is approximately twice the first resistance. As previously mentioned, the cords 26 and 32 can be color-coded to indicate their degree of resistance. For example, in FIG. 2A cord 26 is colored red, while cord 32 is colored green.

Elastomeric cords of the type used in connection with the apparatus of the present invention are readily commercially available in varying tensile strengths ranging from about 2000 pounds per square inch (PSI) to about 4000 square pounds per square inch.

Turning now to FIGS. 2 and 2A and 2B one of the several exercises that can be performed by the trainee using the apparatus of the invention is there illustrated. It is apparent that when the trainee grips the gripping members and moves the gripping members upwardly and the sidewardly relative to the body as illustrated in FIG. 2A, elastomeric cord 26 will uniformly resist such movement. Repetition of the movement between the position shown in FIGS. 2 and 2A will effectively firm and tone the respective muscle sets used. By selecting appropriate lengths and diameters of elastomeric cord, the apparatus can be tailored for use by a variety of trainee's of all ages and physical capabilities.

In the performance of the exercise illustrated in FIGS. 2, 2A and 2B of the drawings, the body-encircling belt 16 is shown encircled about the trainee's waist with the central portion of the belt located generally over the trainee's stomach. As will be discussed more fully in the paragraphs which follow, with the belt 16 in this position, a number of exercises can be performed by the trainee grasping the gripping members in the manner shown in FIG. 2. It is to be noted that in FIG. 2 the trainee is shown grasping only gripping members 28 and 30. If the trainee desires to exercise against greater resistance, the trainee can grasp both sets of gripping members in the manner illustrated in FIG. 2B, thereby enabling the performance of the exercises against the resistance of both of elastomeric cords 26 and 32. In performing the exercise illustrated in FIG. 2A and 2B the trainee can exercise various body muscles including the deltoid and trapezius muscles.

In FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D of the drawings some of the various exercises that can be performed with the central portion of the support belt located at the trainee's back are there illustrated. By way of example, the trainee can lift the arms directly upwardly exercising against the resistance of only one cord (FIG. 3A), directly upwardly exercising against the resistance of two cords (FIG. 3B), outwardly against the resistance of only one cord (FIG. 3C), and upwardly and slightly outwardly exercising against the resistance of two cords (FIG. 3D). In the performance of these exercises, the trainee can exercise the trapezius, tricep and extensor muscles of the forearm (FIGS. 3A and 3B), the deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm (FIG. 3C) and the trapezium, tricep and extensor muscles of the forearm (FIG. 3D).

As illustrated in FIGS. 3E and 3F, with the central portion of the support belt located at the trainee's back, the trainee can perform simulated boxing-type exercises to effectively exercise the pectoralis, deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm.

With the exercise apparatus in position shown in FIGS. 3G and 3H of the drawings the trainee can perform arm cross-over type movements against the resistance of either one (FIG. 3G) or two (FIG. 3H) cords to exercise the pectoralis, deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm.

With the exercise apparatus in position shown in FIGS. 4, 4A, and 4B of the drawings wherein the support strip encircles the trainee's thighs and wherein the hand grip connector portion is positioned at the front of the trainee, still different types of exercises can be performed. For example, with the trainee seated, the trainee can pull upwardly in the manner illustrated against the resistance of either one (FIG. 4B) or two (FIG. 4A) cords to exercise the bicep and flexor muscles of the forearm.

In FIGS. 5, SA and 5B of the drawings, the support belt is shown positioned below the knees of the trainee so that the various exercises there illustrated can be performed, including lifting exercises using first one arm and then the other to exercise against the resistance of either one (FIG. 5A) or two (FIG. 5B) cords. These exercises are highly effective to exercise the bicep and flexor muscles of the forearm.

FIGS. 6, 6A, 6B and 6C illustrate some of the various exercises that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee in a reclined position and laying on his or her back. In performing these exercises, the support strap is once again positioned about the trainee's waist, but the feet, rather than the hands, are placed in engagement with the hand grip portions. Once again, the bicycling-type exercises depicted in the drawings can be performed against the resistance of either one (FIGS. 6A and 6B) or two (FIG. 6B) cords. These exercises are highly effective to exercise the rectus femoris, vastus medialis and lateralis, gastrocnemius muscles of the legs.

FIG. 6D illustrates another exercise that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee in a reclined position and laying on his or her back. In performing this exercise, the support strap is once again positioned about the trainee's waist, but the knees, rather than the feet, are placed in engagement with the hand grip portions. Although the torso lift-type exercise depicted in the drawing is shown being performed against the resistance of two cords, either one or two cords can be used as desired. This exercise is effective in exercising the gluteus medius, maximus and minimus muscles.

FIGS. 7 and 7A illustrate yet another exercise that can be performed using the apparatus of the invention with the trainee lying on his or her stomach with the connector portion of the apparatus at the trainee's front and with the feet in engagement with the gripping members. With the apparatus in this position, various leg stretching and leg lifting exercises can be performed including exercising the gluteus medius, maximus, bicep femoris semi-tendinosus, and semi-membranosus.

With the trainee resting on his or her side in the manner shown in FIGS. 7B, 7C and 7D, the legs can be extended in the manner shown in FIG. 7B to exercise the vastus lateralis. Once again, the exercise depicted in the drawings can be performed against the resistance of either one (FIGS. 7D) or two (FIG. 7C) cords.

In yet another position, the support belt is held against the floor by one foot of the trainee and one or both sets of gripping members is gripped by one of the trainee's hands while the other set of gripping members is positioned over the trainee's leg in the manner shown in FIG. 8 of the drawings. With the apparatus used in this manner, a number of leg lift exercises can be performed including exercises to strengthen the adductor longus, medius, brevis, psoas major, sartorius, and rectus femoris.

In the performance of still other types of exercises, the apparatus of the invention can be affixed to a wall horizontal bar in the manner illustrated in FIGS. 9, 9A, 9B and 9C of the drawings. With the support belt encircling the wall bar in the manner shown in the drawings, one or both sets of gripping members can be gripped by the trainee and extended upwardly and outwardly from the wall bar in the manner shown in the drawings to exercise the tricep, deltoid and extensor muscles of the forearm.

In still other exercises such as those shown in FIG. 9D, the exercise apparatus is affixed to the base of an exercise bench “B” in the manner shown in the drawings so that the gripping members can be gripped by the trainee's hands as well as the trainee's feet to exercise a number of muscle groups including the gluteus maximus, the simitendinosus, the semimembranosus, the abductor magnus and the abductor longus. Although the exercise depicted in FIG. 9D of the drawings is shown being performed against the resistance of a single cord, either one or two cords can be used as desired.

Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims. 

1. An exercise device for use by a trainee to exercise the body muscles of the arms, legs, thighs, shoulders and back, said device comprising: (a) an adjustable body-encircling strap for encircling a portion of the trainee's body, said strap having first and second end portions and an intermediate portion; (b) strap connecting means carried by said body-encircling strap for releasably interconnecting together said first and second end portions; (c) a first elongated elastomeric cord connected to said body-encircling strap, said first elongated elastomeric cord having first and second end portions and first and second intermediate portions; (d) a first gripping member connected to said first elongated elastomeric cord proximate said first intermediate portion and a second gripping member connected to said first elongated elastomeric cord proximate said second intermediate portion; (e) a second elongated elastomeric cord connected to said body-encircling strap, said second elongated elastomeric cord having first and second end portions and first and second intermediate portions; (f) a third gripping member connected to said second elongated elastomeric cord proximate said first intermediate portion and a fourth gripping member connected to said second elongated elastomeric cord proximate said second intermediate portion; and (g) cord connecting means connected to said body-encircling strap for interconnecting said end portions of said first and second elongated elastomeric cords with said body-encircling strap and a location proximate said intermediate portion of said strap, whereby said trainee can simultaneously grip said first and third gripping members and said second and fourth gripping members.
 2. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 in which said cord connecting means comprises a cord connecting member connected to said body-encircling strap proximate said intermediate portion thereof, said connecting member circumscribing said end portions of said first and second elongated elastomeric cords and circumscribing said intermediate portion of said body-encircling strap.
 3. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 in which said first and second elongated elastomeric cords are of the same tensile strength.
 4. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 in which said first and second to elongated elastomeric cords are of different tensile strengths.
 5. The exercise device as defined in claim 1 in which said strap connecting means comprises a first means connected to said first end of said body-encircling strap and a second complementary means connected to said second end of said body-encircling strap for engagement with said first means to form a body-encircling closed loop.
 6. An exercise device for use by a trainee to exercise the body muscles of the arms, legs, thighs, shoulders and back, said device comprising: (a) an adjustable body-encircling strap for encircling a portion of the trainee's body, said strap having first and second end portions and an intermediate portion; (b) strap connecting means carried by said body-encircling strap for releasably interconnecting together said first and second end portions, said strap connecting means comprising a first means connected to said first end of said body-encircling strap and a second complementary means connected to said second end of said body-encircling strap for engagement with said first means to form a body-encircling closed loop; (c) a first elongated elastomeric cord connected to said body-encircling strap, said first elongated elastomeric cord having first and second end portions and an intermediate portion; (d) a first gripping member connected to said first end portion of said first elongated elastomeric cord and a second gripping member connected to said second end portion of said first elongated elastomeric cord; (e) a second elongated elastomeric cord connected to said body-encircling strap, said second elongated elastomeric cord having first and second end portions and an intermediate portion; (f) a third gripping member connected to said first end portion of said second elongated elastomeric cord and a fourth gripping member connected to said second end portion of said second elongated elastomeric cord; and (g) cord connecting means connected to said body-encircling strap for interconnecting said intermediate portions of said first and second elongated elastomeric cords to said body-encircling strap and a location proximate said intermediate portion of said strap, said cord connecting means comprising a connecting sleeve circumscribing said intermediate portions of said first and second elongated elastomeric cords and said intermediate portion of said body-encircling strap, whereby said intermediate portions of said first and second elongated elastomeric cords are maintained in close proximity.
 7. The exercise device as defined in claim 6 in which said first and second to elongated elastomeric cords are color-coded and are of the same color.
 8. The exercise device as defined in claim 6 in which said first and second to elongated elastomeric cords are color-coded and are of a different color.
 9. The exercise device as defined in claim 6 in which said first, second, third and fourth gripping member's comprise closed-in receiving loops.
 10. A method for performing different exercises using an exercise device comprising an adjustable body-encircling strap for encircling a portion of the trainee's body, which includes front and back portions, the strap having a central portion, a first elongated elastomeric cord connected to the central portion of the body-encircling strap, the first elongated elastomeric cord having first and second end portions, a first gripping member connected to the first end portion of the first elongated elastomeric cord and a second gripping member connected to the second end portion of the first elongated elastomeric cord, a second elongated elastomeric cord connected to the central portion of the body-encircling strap, the second elongated elastomeric cord having first and second end portions, a third gripping member connected to the first end portion of the second elongated elastomeric cord and a fourth gripping member connected to the second end portion of the second elongated elastomeric cord, said method comprising the steps of: (a) performing a first set of exercises by gripping the first and second gripping member's and urging the first and second gripping members to move in a direction away from the central portion of the body-encircling strap in a manner to stretch the first elastomeric cord; and (b) performing a second set of exercises by gripping the first, second, third and fourth gripping members and urging the first, second, third and fourth gripping members to move in a direction away from the central portion of the body-encircling strap in a manner to simultaneously stretch both the first and second elastomeric cords.
 11. The method as defined in claim 10 in which in performing said first set of exercises, the first and second gripping member's are urged to move upwardly relative to the body-encircling strap.
 12. The method as defined in claim 10 in which in performing said first set of exercises, the central portion of the body-encircling strap is disposed at the front portion of the trainee's body and first and second gripping member's are urged to move upwardly and transversely relative to the body-encircling strap.
 13. The method as defined in claim 10 in which in performing said first set of exercises, the central portion of the body-encircling strap is disposed at the front portion of the trainee's body and the first and second gripping member's are urged to move downwardly and transversely relative to the body-encircling strap.
 14. The method as defined in claim 10 in which in performing said second set of exercises, the central portion of the body-encircling strap is disposed at the front portion of the trainee's body and the first, second, third and fourth gripping member's are urged to move upwardly and transversely relative to the body-encircling strap.
 15. The method as defined in claim 10 in which in performing said first set of exercises, the first, second, third and fourth gripping member's are urged to move downwardly and transversely relative to the body-encircling strap.
 16. The method as defined in claim 10 in which in performing said second set of exercises, the central portion of the body-encircling strap is disposed at the back portion of the trainee's body and the first, second, third and fourth gripping member's are urged to move upwardly and transversely relative to the body-encircling strap.
 17. The method as defined in claim 10 in which in performing said second set of exercises, the central portion of the body-encircling strap is disposed at the front portion of the trainee's body, the trainee is laying on the floor and the first, second, third and fourth gripping member's are urged to move downwardly and transversely relative to the central portion of the body-encircling strap. 